TMD and Sleep
Overman Family Dentistry adopts a comprehensive, personalized, and holistic approach to our patient care. In order to dramatically improve your quality of life, we strive not only to treat the symptoms of TMD and Sleep Apnea, but more importantly, identify and treat the causes.
What is Temporomandibular Disorder?
The Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) are the two joints that connect your lower jaw (mandible) the side and base of the skull (temporal bone). They act as a hinge and along with several muscles, allow the mandible to move up and down, side to side and forward and back. The TM joints are the most complex joints within your body.
TMD is disorders of the jaw muscles, TMJ, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder.
How do Sleep and Dental Health go together?
During sleep, your mouth should be closed and your tongue should be held to the roof of your mouth. If your upper jaw is narrow, your tongue will go to the floor of your mouth. If you breathe through your mouth instead of your nose, your tongue will also go down. While you are sleeping, the muscles of your airway relax and block or partially block your airway and your tongue can also fall back which obstructs your airway. If you struggle to breathe during the night, your body will go into a “fight or flight: response. It will release stress hormones as well as insulin, your heart rate will increase and your body will attempt to regain control of your airway to restore breathing.Studies have shown that your body will respond to a small amount of airway resistance as well as a full obstruction in the same manner. This can also occur if you have limited airflow through your nose.
The Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) are the two joints that connect your lower jaw (mandible) the side and base of the skull (temporal bone). They act as a hinge and along with several muscles, allow the mandible to move up and down, side to side and forward and back. The TM joints are the most complex joints within your body.
In response to this airway resistance, you start grinding your teeth. We are able to see the evidence of this on your teeth in the form of wear, chipping, fractures, and gum disease. When your body releases stress hormones, and in response to the decreased oxygen in your blood from not breathing adequately, your heart rate will increase. Clenching your teeth has a parasympathetic effect on the vagus nerve which lowers your heart rate. Over time, the repeated clenching and grinding can damage your jaw joints, leading to TMD. In
TMD is disorders of the jaw muscles, TMJ, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder.
Symptoms of TMD
- Headaches
- Clicking & Popping of Jaw
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Earaches
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Stuffiness in ears
- Migraines
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Joint or Feet Problems
- Neck, Back, Shoulder Pain
- Limited Mouth Opening / Jaw Locking
Advanced Technology Used to Treat TMD
CBCT
A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a special type of x-ray that generates 3D images of dental and anatomical structures, which allows for a more precise treatment planning and diagnosis
Joint Vibration Analysis
Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA) is a simple, non-invasive test that evaluates the health of your jaw joint using the analysis of vibration patterns
Photobiomodulation / MLS Cold Laser
A Multiwave Locked System (MLS) cold laser is a treatment option here at OFD. THe MLS laser is a non-invasive painless tool that accelerates the body’s natural healing process, reduces inflammation, and treats pain. The laser uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the cells in the affected area, aiding in their recovery. Treatment with the laser typically takes less than 1 minutes, is painless and has no lasting side effects.
Polysomnography
More commonly known as a sleep study, polysomnography may play an integral role in the diagnosis and treatment of TMD. We utilize a level-3 home sleep study that exceeds guidelines for home evaluation of snoring and sleep apnea. Each sleep study is interpreted by a board-certified sleep physician.
Motor Nerve Reflex Testing
Motor Nerve Reflex Testing is an easy and effective neurological exam that screens for injuries that may be related to temporomandibular joint disorder.
The Why for Overman Family Dentistry
Many people suffer with TMJ issues and wonder if there is ever a cure to their chronic pain. Many people with TMJ issues have been from doctor to doctor for their problems but come out with little to no success in eliminating their symptoms. At Overman Family Dentistry, because we take a comprehensive approach to look for causes, we are often able to eliminate symptoms by addressing the root cause in addition to symptoms.
Dr. Overman suffered for many years with horrible migraines and headaches but after learning about TMJ in his studies he found that was a large part of the problem for him.He was then able to eliminate his headaches and migraines with our TMJ treatment.
Overman Family Dentistry Cares
Every time you visit us at Overman Family Dentistry, you’ll discover we are a family who cares. Every patient feels like a part of our family. We have fun every day and make sure your visit is one you enjoy instead of dread.
